shudder 1 of 2

noun

Definition of shuddernext
as in shiver
an instance of shaking involuntarily with fear or cold a shudder ran through him as he stepped outside into the snow

Synonyms & Similar Words

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shudder

2 of 2

verb

ˈshə-dər How to pronounce shudder (audio)
as in to shake
to make a series of small irregular or violent movements huddled in the basement, we shuddered with fear as we heard the approaching tornado

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of shudder
Noun
Some advancements have sent shudders through Hollywood. — ABC News, 18 May 2026 In early April, Anthropic sent shudders through the tech community with Claude’s Mythos Preview model. — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 2 May 2026
Verb
Design practices Not knowing ahead of time what lunar explorers may face is an unsure, shuddering proposition. — Leonard David, Space.com, 20 June 2026 Environmental groups, though, are shuddering about the details the new ballot measure could bring. — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for shudder
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shudder
  1. shiver
  2. shake
  3. tremble
  4. jerk
  5. quiver
  6. vibrate
Noun
  • Speaking to Julia Cunningham on her eponymous podcast, Adams says the moment when Cecile realizes her half-sister is the serial killer (while her mom was a plain ol’ one-off manslaughterer) still gives her the shivers.
    — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 22 July 2026
  • Judith claims to be a forensic accountant, but is actually a career assassin whose very name sends shivers of fear through her enemies and ones of excitement through her admirers.
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2026
Definition of shiver
Verb
  • The case exposed serious weaknesses in financial oversight and shook public confidence in institutions responsible for protecting taxpayer dollars.
    — Malia M Cohen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 July 2026
  • With the room shaking, the show’s producer, Bob Johnston, plotted a course toward the nearest group of guards.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 July 2026
Definition of shake
Noun
  • Be a good child, do what they’re told, be the best child, a tremble in their hands, say nothing, tensed for the knock on the door.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 June 2026
  • Ultimately, the recent market trembles reveal less about the immediate dangers of AI and more about the precarious psychology of modern trading.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 24 Feb. 2026
Definition of tremble
Verb
  • Nighttime in the Okefenokee is filled with a wild cacophony — the choruses of pig frogs, hooting owls, crickets and sometimes the deep, nerve-jerking bellowing of bull alligators.
    — Charles Seabrook, AJC.com, 25 July 2026
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also advises against twisting or jerking the tick.
    — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 15 July 2026
Definition of jerk
Verb
  • Even now, there are moments during presentations when my voice still quivers.
    — Michelle De Almeida, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • Each time, brown leaves that had drifted from distant trees quivered and spun on the surface.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
Definition of quiver
Verb
  • The mouth fiddle belongs to a family of instruments that are orally modulated, lending qualities of the human voice to the sound waves emitted by a vibrating string.
    — Jonathon Keats, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • So make sure to put your phone on silent or vibrate or turn it off.
    — Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026
Definition of vibrate

Browse Nearby Words

shucks (off)
shudder
shuddered
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Cite this Entry

“Shudder.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shudder. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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